Chelsea FC Women’s Fran Kirby has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2023, with the club having an option to extend for a further 12 months.
The forward, who has scored 15 times in 21 appearances so far this season, explained to chelseafc.com: ‘I’ve been a part of this club for a very long time, and it didn’t take much thought. I knew where I wanted to be, and I think you could see that in my performances.
‘I was really trying to prove to myself, to the fans who haven’t been able to watch me for a long time and to the club. It was a no-brainer for me that I wanted to stay in this environment.
‘I really wanted to work and prove that I was worthy of a new contract. I’ve spent a lot of time out ill and I remember speaking to Emma [Hayes] at the start of the year and I said I didn’t want anything given to me, I wanted to earn my spot to play, I wanted to earn my spot to be involved with this team and stay in this team.
‘That’s been a massive goal of mine this season and I want to keep doing that. I’ve signed a new contract, but I want to make sure that I keep pushing myself every day and as long as I keep doing that, I know that I’ll be in a good place.’
General manager Paul Green added: ‘We are delighted to extend Fran’s deal. She’s been an important player for us during her time at the club and has been integral in the club’s success.
‘Fran is coming into the peak of her career and I think we’ve seen that this season, with her playing some of the best football of her career.
‘She has seen the club grow over the last six years and is excited for what the club can achieve in the future.
‘We look forward to seeing Fran help the club achieve more success in the upcoming years.’
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